FactCheck.org Annenberg Political Fact Check
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This is where we respond to questions that we are frequently asked or find to be of general interest.
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We're most likely to answer questions of fact relating to current political or policy issues. Please don't ask for our opinions: We try hard to keep those off these pages. We have no answers for "what is the meaning of the universe" questions, nor can we peer into the future to see who's going to win an election. We welcome questions from students, but they shouldn't expect us to do their homework assignments.
Did electing a Democratic Congress in 2006 really lead to increased unemployment, higher gas prices and more home foreclosures?
No, and most of the figures in a widely-circulated e-mail are made up. In fact, the entire premise of the e-mail is a logical fallacy.
Has McCain ever made any earmarks?
Not for fiscal year 2008 and never explicitly, though over the course of his career, there are several that might deserve the label.
What percent of taxes does the top 1 percent pay and what percent of the income do they make?
The top 1 percent of all households got 18 percent of all personal income and paid nearly 28 percent of all federal taxes in 2005, according to the Congressional Budget Office. The top 1 percent now pay a significantly larger...
Would raising the capital gains tax rate hit the middle class?
More than 80 percent of all capital gains income went to those making more than $200,000 a year in 2006. Very few making under $50,000 would be affected by any increase in the top capital gains rate.
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